Formats

When retrieving data from a wide range of data sources it sometimes is necessary to manipulate the data in order to match up the data between different sources. This is done by adding a new format for the data source. Cubes do not distinguish between formats or regular data sources.

The format functionality is available on from the data sources overview that is accessible from the “Data Sources” pane on the startup screen. Locate the data source you wish to manipulate and right-click it. In the popup menu click “Create format” and a dialog will appear.

The dialog is split into two sections, the top section shows a preview of the first 5 lines showing the results of manipulations of the data and the bottom has tabs that has different categories of options for manipulating the data.

The preview can be used for creating new calculated columns (+) icon to the right of the preview in addition making selections. The following right-click options are available:

Edit Properties

Allows changing properties for the column. This is described in further detail below.

Unpivot

Unpivots the selected column(s). You can select multiple columns before right-clicking by holding down the ctrl or shift key and left clicking with the mouse.

Unpivot all columns to the right

Can be used when right-clicking on the left-most column of the data set that you want to unpivot with this function. See additional description below.